Original subtitles

Arliss: For most of us,

the dream of becoming a champion

remains a fantasy.

But for a special few,

it is very much a reality.

We cheer them.

We live through them.

Athletes are our last warriors.

My job is to make their dreams come true.

My name is Arliss Michaels.

I represent athletes.

These are my stories.

♪ Don't know what it is that makes me love you so ♪

♪ I only know I never wanna let you go ♪

♪ 'Cause you started something, oh, can't you see ♪

♪ That ever since we met you had a hold on me ♪

♪ It happens to be true ♪

♪ I only wanna be with you ♪

♪ I just wanna be beside you everywhere ♪

♪ As long as we're together, honey, I don't care ♪

♪ 'Cause you started something, oh, can't you see ♪

♪ That ever since we met you had a hold on me ♪

♪ No matter what you do ♪

♪ I only wanna be with you ♪

Arliss (narrating): The art of negotiation is critical in serving a client.

It is a game of constant give and take.

Here is a proposal for next year's contract

for my client,

- Obless Obliche. - (video game beeping)

One year. Two million dollars.

Well... (laughs) Well, let me get this straight.

You want a raise for a guy who won one game?

I think the two million dollars we're asking for

is not only fair, but actually quite reasonable.

You're outta your fucking mind.

I don't agree.

Left-handed pitchers are at a premium.

This is a business of comparables.

Do you want me to compare Tom Glavine

or Randy Johnson's contract?

There's one big difference.

Those guys win games.

I will admit my client had an off year.

However...

"Off year"? He won one game!

One fucking game!

You want a million-dollar raise for a guy

who won one fucking game?

That's only one more than me!

And I don't fucking pitch!

I think we're getting a little emotional here.

Yes, I do get emotional

when somebody's trying to fuck me!

We prepared a counter-proposal.

Because we value commitment, team loyalty,

our club is prepared to offer your client a one-year contract

for $750,000.

$750,000?

You're not being serious!

Okay, okay, okay.

If it's gonna help move things along,

we will go $1.9 million.

$750,000.

It's final, and we need your answer now.

$750,000?

Oh, come on! The guy's gotta eat.

He's got a family. They've got to have clothes!

I'll tell you what. How about we go $1.6 million this year,

and we do an additional year for $1.4 million?

Deal? Win-win?

That's the contract, Arliss. You have no leverage.

Your guy is a broke-down dog

who no one else will touch.

Now you get him to sign the contract,

or he can go back to picking cane.

Arliss (narrating): Sometimes there is disagreement

over the worth of a client's services.

However, it is never ever personal.

(whispering) Esta bien. Acceptable.

Go ahead.

♪ ♪

You're a smart man, Arliss. You do what you're told.

(zipper unzips)

- Hey! Hey! - (spraying)

What the hell are you doing?

(speaking Spanish)

- Stop! Stop! - No mas! No mas!

Michaels, tell him to stop! I am holding you responsible.

You talked him into this. You're through, you hear me?

- (yelling in Spanish) - I am driving you out of the business!

I'm gonna bury you!

Arliss (narrating): Sometimes relations between

owner and agent become strained.

What makes it doubly tough

is when an owner owns a team in more than one sport.

Thereby exhibiting twice the clout.

And some will not hesitate to use it.

Nice pass, Arliss.

Brent, I think this is the national endorsement

we've been waiting for.

What do you think? Huh?

It helps you breathe properly.

Pretty cool, huh?

And I even got them to name it after you.

"Air Barry." Huh? Huh? Now what do you think?

It's not bad, Arliss, but I gotta talk to you.

Okay, so it's not that cool,

but it's a lot of money.

I mean, look, you're the only white guy

who won the NBA Slam Dunk Championship,

and this is paying better money. Huh?

I know it is, Arliss, but...

I mean, I gotta talk to you, man.

What's wrong, man?

- Having trouble with your 12-step program? - (chuckles)

No, it's nothing like that.

I mean, we've been friends for a long time, right?

I mean, you're my boy.

Yeah, sure. What... What are you talking about?

I'm talking about changing agents.

(buzzer)

Changing agents?

But we've been together since the beginning.

Well, maybe not since the beginning,

but since the beginning of this contract.

I know, and it's not your fault, Arliss,

but Reingold came to me.

He said, "Hey, Brent, if you don't fire Arliss,

I'm not gonna give you that contract extension."

He said what?

It's nothing personal, man. Business is business, right?

Take care.

Yeah.

♪ ♪

This is getting real old real fast.

I don't know what you're talking about.

I'm talking about, pardon the expression,

the pissing contest between you and Reingold.

Ah, you are nuts.

Reingold owns three sports franchises,

and four cable systems.

He's a very powerful man

who is really turning up the heat on us.

And you have to stop it!

You are imagining it.

The word is out.

Other agents are taking advantage.

They're telling prospective clients, "If you sign with AMM,

you won't be able to get a deal."

(scoffs)

Hey, boss. You okay?

I'm fine. Why?

Well, you've had stomach trouble

ever since that, you know, Reingold incident.

This is absolutely no relation.

Of course not!

I don't even know why I brought it up!

Reingold is determined to drive you out of business,

by eliminating your client base.

That is horseshit.

Really? How many clients have we lost since the incident?

Five, isn't it?

Barry makes four.

Uh, Barry makes four, uh,

John Franco makes five.

Franco?

Later.

Arliss, you can be in denial all you want,

but we have a thing called a monthly nut.

And right now, Reingold is squeezing it.

(door opens)

Kirby: See ya, boss.

No, no. I will not get you a date with Halle Berry.

She's your teammate's ex-wife, that's why.

Later.

Everything okay?

His stomach problems are gettin' contagious.

Jeremy, hold my calls, please. Thank you.

Hey.

Sorry about that Barry thing, huh.

Oh...

He was more trouble than he's worth.

I was gonna drop him anyway.

Arliss, until you show the sports world

that you can stick it to Reingold,

the wolves are gonna be sniffing.

Oh, Rita.

Tell me what weapon could I use

to murder Reingold with.

The same weapon we all use.

- Leverage. - Yeah, right, but, uh...

Tell me, do you know where I can buy some?

Maybe.

(grunting)

Rita?

Whatcha got? Give me, gimme, gimme.

Well, you see, last night, I was out shopping with Hannah Storm.

First, we went to Saks. She bought the cutest little Prada belt.

And then, we went on to the sale at Barney's.

You probably wouldn't be interested,

but they've got Robert Clergerie shoes on at half-price.

Which still isn't cheap, especially on what you pay me.

Anyway, we got to talking as we were trying on shoes,

and guess who she's got the scoop on.

I give up.

Guess.

Dr. Scholl.

Shaler Halimon.

Shaler Halimon?

What about him? He's going to Georgetown.

No, uh-uh. He is not going to Georgetown.

He's gonna skip college,

go straight from high school to the NBA.

Now, here comes the good part.

Guess who's trading his next three first-round draft choices

to get Shaler?

That's right. Your good old buddy, Reingold.

Really?

- And who... - Represents Halimon?

Amazing the way the mind of an agent works.

His mother.

His mother?

That's it?

People, listen up! I need everything we can get on one Shaler Halimon!

I need names, I need dates,

I need facts, I need figures,

I need help!

Stanley, you anal-retentive genius, get on out here!

Rita, how much were those shoes?

- $300 a pair. - I owe you $150.

- The left one is on me. - Love it when you kiss my ass.

Don't we all? Come on, people! We're gonna have us some fun!

Arliss Michaels' office.

Hi. Yeah! One second.

John Franco.

Later.

Hi, John, uh, no. He's in a meeting right now.

Can I... sure.

Boys and girls...

the agenda.

Okay, what do we got?

He's considered the best high school product of his decade.

In his senior year, he averaged 35 points,

- 20 rebounds... - Stanley: Huge marketing potential.

A million a year from Nike or Reebok,

six figures from Coke or Pepsi.

Kirby: Twelve assists. Ten blocked shots.

My God! He averaged a quadruple double!

At least 250 for Upper Deck trading cards,

and 300K from Ford Motor Company.

Oh, no, forget the car deal. I mean, the kid's probably not old enough for a license.

He averaged a quadruple double?

Rita: He's a poor kid from East Landfill, Georgia.

Population: 512.

Kirby: Thousand?

He's raised totally by his mother.

Puts all decisions in her hands.

Honest, God-fearing woman.

Kirby: God, the kid's a monster!

Arliss (narrating): What I needed was an ally.

Someone as interested in the boy as I was.

Someone whose trust I could earn.

Choir: ♪ Pass me not ♪

♪ Oh, gentle Savior ♪

♪ Do not pass me by ♪

We got it that time! Oh, yes, yes! Yes!

Sunday morning! Don't be late!

Where's Carol? Carol?

You be here on time, okay?

Thank you so much. You're so good. Y'all did a good job tonight.

Whew!

Ooh, man!

Whew!

Arliss: Deacon Delbert Henry!

I am. (clears throat) And how may I help you?

My name is Arliss Michaels.

I'm from Los Angeles,

and I have been an admirer of yours for a while.

- You have? - Oh, I have been a student of your accomplishments

Both as an educator and as a spiritual leader.

Is that so?

Oh! In fact, I'd be willing to say,

if there wasn't a Deacon Delbert Henry,

there would not be a Shaler Halimon.

Exceptin' for Mrs. Halimon,

I'd have to say you're right.

In fact, it is she...

that has entrusted me...

for her son's welfare.

(exhales sharply)

Well, I'm not surprised.

I mean, I sure would like to meet Mrs. Halimon sometime

to find out what kinda woman she is.

I'm sure you would.

(playing notes)

You know...

when I look around at what you have done with First Gospel here,

I marvel!

Especially considering the lack of facilities we have here!

Yes, I could see where the facilities could be upgraded.

You know, Mr. Michaels...

every night, I pray to the Almighty hisself,

and I say to him, "Show me you haven't forgotten these good people."

I say to him, "Show me you hear our prayers."

(slaps stand)

And now, here you are.

So you know what I'm gonna say to you.

♪ ♪

Choir: ♪ The little light of mine ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

Arliss (narrating): I found the help I needed

in Deacon Delbert Henry.

♪ This little light of mine ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ Let it shine, let it shine ♪

♪ Let it shine ♪

♪ Everywhere I go ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ Everywhere I go ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

(piano continues playing)

♪ ♪

Arliss (narrating): As my newfound kindred spirit,

the Deacon arranged for us to sup at the Halimon house.

Good bread, good meat, good Lord, let's eat!

(laughs)

Amen!

Hoghead cheese,

cabbage and pig tails,

- smothered neckbones, - Deacon: Mm-hmm!

And collard greens.

Good, good, good! You cooked today!

- Mrs. Halimon: Oh, yes, I did. - Deacon: Yes, Lord!

- Delicious. - Ooh!

- Have some more! - Deacon: Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Mrs. Halimon,

this is the best meal I have ever eaten!

Thank you! Have some yams!

Oh! Sure!

- Deacon: Look at that boy eat. - (Mrs. Halimon and Deacon laugh)

Mrs. Halimon: Oh, he's growing.

Deacon: Give me some yams! Give me some yams!

Mm-mm-mm! (laughs)

How 'bout you? You want some more?

♪ ♪

(Shaler grunting)

Shaler: Yeah! Where you at?

Yeah!

Mr. Michaels, I've had many inquiries from agents.

I don't want to get involved with city folk.

I will make a deal myself.

Oh, that's fine. There are too many men in this business anyway.

We need more women in it

to help balance out the hormones.

(laughing) What'd I tell you about this man, Amelia?

Could you pass me the wine, please?

Mr. Reingold has given me his word

that Shaler will get a multi-year

multimillion-dollar contract.

That's excellent. Excellent.

Oh, by the way, did he mention if it was guaranteed?

I beg your pardon?

The contract.

If it's guaranteed?

And if so, for how many years?

Oh, I'm sure Mr. Reingold will be fair.

Fair for him.

Also, was there any talk of an option year,

and if so, whose?

What about a buyout clause or a signing bonus?

Mr. Michaels, what makes you different from all the others?

Well, first off, I don't want any money.

(chuckles) "No money."

No money.

What I want is the opportunity

to walk into Buddy Reingold's office

with Shaler Halimon.

So, what's in this for you?

Believe it or not, my profession gets a bum rap.

This is my way of giving something back.

I can get my boy $10 million.

I can get him thirty.

Have some more dirt pudding.

(Deacon laughing)

- Yeah. - Deacon: Amen!

Amen.

Watson?

Holmes?

Yes.

The game is afoot.

Jolly good show!

In a blockbuster basketball trade,

owner Buddy Reingold has traded

his team's next three first-round draft picks

for the rights to sign high school phenom Shaler Halimon.

Alright, alright, now we have a verbal agreement

with Mrs. Halimon,

and we expect to have Shaler in uniform

on opening night.

See ya at the game, boys.

Uh, Shaler, please have a seat.

Mrs. Halimon.

(video game beeping)

Can I get you something? Cup of coffee?

- Soft drink? - Oh, sorry, I'm late.

Traffic. You know!

I've enlisted the aid of Mr. Michaels as a consultant.

I hope you don't mind.

A consultant?

No, of course not.

- How are you, Arliss? - Oh, fine.

Fine, fine. Is this new carpeting?

Yes.

It's nice. Very nice, very nice.

Dry, too.

Anyway, why don't we get down to it?

We're prepared to offer you a contract

that I think you'll be pleased with.

Three million dollars a year.

- How many years? - Three.

How many guaranteed?

One with an option for two.

Whose option? Yours or mine?

Ours.

Mrs. Halimon: Unacceptable.

What about a signing bonus?

We don't give signing bonuses.

Why not? He's signing!

Mrs. Halimon: Also, I see nothing here

- about attendance clauses, - (mouthing)

Performance clauses, road accommodations.

Mrs. Halimon, please accept what I'm about to say

with all due respect.

This man has obviously been filling your head

with a lot of crazy ideas.

The fact remains we are offering you and your son

the kind of money he will never see anywhere else.

No, no, no, no. If this were a trial,

I would say that you are badgering the witness.

Shut up.

Mr. Reingold,

I have full confidence in Mr. Michaels.

Is that so? Well, let me explain.

That is what we are willing to pay,

and not a cent more.

And you can tell your asshole consultant,

there's not a thing he can do about it.

Now, now, now. This is starting to get personal.

Perhaps, I can help move this along.

I have here a contract

from the Milan Ruggianos of the Italian basketball league.

As you can see, I have a firm offer here

of three years, $30 million.

Are you prepared to match this offer?

Not on your life.

Aw.

Uh, Shaler, would you please come here

and sign this contract?

Mrs. Halimon: Go ahead, son.

Now, will you please give me permission

to put this contract into this envelope?

Mom?

Will you now give me permission to lick this envelope?

Mm-hmm.

What kinda crap are you trying to pull now, Michaels?

Would you give me permission now to put this stamp on this envelope?

Yes.

Mrs. Halimon,

this man is making a fool out of you.

Now, would you give me permission

to mail this envelope?

Yes.

Okay, now, they're out of the picture.

Now it's between me and you, dickhead.

Now, we are going to the airport.

When we arrive there, if you've not changed your mind,

I am going to drop this envelope into the mailbox.

And then you can tell all your season ticket holders,

that you have mortgaged the future of your team

in return for ugatz.

Amen!

Let's go.

You're making a big mistake!

Arliss (narrating): On the way to the airport,

we discussed what had occurred.

I'd be remiss if I didn't say there were some anxious moments.

You stupid sonuvabitch!

We coulda had nine million dollars!

Ma, where's Milan anyway?

I don't like Italian food. Give me gas.

Oh, you done messed up big time, mister!

- Sister Halimon... - Oh, shut up! This ain't none of your business!

Now, this was my boy's future...

Arliss (narrating): I questioned if Mrs. Halimon had overplayed her hand.

I knew she had complete confidence in me,

but I secretly wondered if she had asked for too much.

Now you get on that little phone of yours,

and you call up Mr. Reingold,

and you tell him we are on our way back!

Otherwise, I'm gonna whoop your butt!

Ya hear me?!

Now go!

Do it! Oh, you shut up! You ain't got nothing to do with this now.

Arliss (narrating): Perhaps we had allowed personalities

to get in the way of business.

Perhaps we had gone over the line.

Woman (on PA): American Airlines paging Arliss Michaels.

Man (on PA): United Airlines paging Arliss Michaels.

Man #2 (on PA): TWA Airlines paging Arliss Michaels.

Man #3 (on PA): Delta Airlines paging Arliss Michaels.

Arliss (narrating): And then again...

perhaps not.

The excitement is building among the fans here

who are hoping to see a bit of basketball history in this game.

The professional debut of Shaler Halimon.

Only one problem.

We have no official word yet

that Halimon has actually signed a contract.

But we do know this:

he and his representatives are in the building.

Mrs. Halimon: Just want to be sure we've crossed every "T"

and dotted every "I."

Performance bonus, signing bonus,

attendance bonus,

personal appearance bonus,

radio show bonus,

charity bonus, 100% guaranteed.

Everything looks in order.

Good.

Is there anything else?

Shaler: Excuse me, but...

Mrs. Halimon: Speak up, Shaler!

Well, there is one thing I would like.

What, son?

Well, all my life, I've only worn one jersey number.

Thirty-three.

Yeah, so?

Well, one of your players is already wearing that number.

You think maybe you could talk him into trading it?

Henneman.

Oh, now he wants my jersey, man.

This is bullshit! Give me my jersey, man!

- Woman: Do it! - That's my jersey!

- (applause) - (cheers)

♪ This little light of mine ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it... ♪

Professor Plum? Miss Peacock.

Colonel Mustard in the Billiard Room with a 30...

$37 million guaranteed contract!

So Halimon is signed, sealed, delivered

and on his way to the court.

Mrs. Halimon, may I present you with an official team cap

and congratulations.

- Thank you. - Kirby: Arliss!

Arliss!

- Meet Johnny Franco. - Johnny Franco!

Great deal, man. Hey, I love this endorsement stuff, man.

Hey, I'm glad you're my agent.

I'm so glad you're my client.

- We'll be in the box. Okay, see ya. - Okay.

Reingold: Arliss!

Congratulations.

Thank you, Buddy.

Always a pleasure doing business with you.

- It's always a win-win. - Yeah.

Top of the world, Ma.

Arliss (narrating): It was a negotiation that once again proved

it's never personal.

Announcer: And here he is, making his professional debut,

number 33, Shaler Halimon!

Arliss (narrating): Unfortunately, Shaler would never reach his full potential.

Who could have known that all his arteries were clogged

from massive levels of cholesterol

from Mama's food?

Thankfully, Shaler survived,

but he would never play a minute in the NBA.

Fan him with the hat. Get his arms up. Get his arms up.

Right there, right there. Give me my jersey back!

- Get your hands off my boy! - That's my jersey!

Arliss (narrating): God, I love what I do.

I guess I'm just a very lucky guy.

My name is Arliss Michaels.

I represent athletes.

These are my stories.

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ Even in my home ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ Let it shine, let it shine ♪

♪ Let it shine ♪

♪ This little light of mine ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ This little light of mine ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ This little light of mine ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪

♪ Everywhere I go ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ Everywhere I go ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ Everywhere I go ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪

♪ Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine ♪

♪ Even in my home ♪

♪ I'm gonna let it shine ♪